South Sudanese rebels have seized control of Bor, the town's Mayor said.

World Bulletin / News Desk

South Sudanese rebels loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar have seized control of Bor, the capital of restive Jonglei state, the town's Mayor said on Wednesday.

Nhial Majak Nhial told Reuters government troops loyal to President Salva Kiir had made a "tactical withdrawal" to Malual Chaat army barracks, 3 km (2 miles) south of the town on Tuesday, after fighting that started earlier in the day.

"Yes they (rebels) have taken Bor," Nhial said from the national capital Juba, 190 km south of Bor by road.

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